Johnny Sexton will lead Ireland on his return from injury in one of 11 changes to their lineup to face Russia in Kobe City on Thursday.
Sexton was rested for the stunning defeat by Japan due to a thigh injury he picked up in the opening win over Scotland. However, the experienced playmaker will be back in the team as Ireland bid to pick up the pieces following their loss.
In other backline changes Luke McGrath comes in at scrumhalf for Connor Murray, who has been left out of the match-day 23, while centre Bundee Aki and wing Andrew Conway come in for Chris Farrell and Jacob Stockdale, respectively.
Peter O’Mahony is the sole forward retained in the pack that got outmuscled by Japan, as Jordi Murphy has been fast-tracked into the starting lineup having only flown in on Sunday to replace the injured Jack Conan.
There is also a first World Cup start for lock Jean Kleyn, while No 8 CJ Stander has been named on the bench.
Ireland – 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jordi Murphy, 7 Peter O’Mahony, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Jean Kleyn, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 John Ryan, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Dave Kilcoyne.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 CJ Stander, 21 Joey Carbury, 22 Jack Carty, 23 Jordan Larmour.
Photo: Getty Images
